30 December 2009

Najib Razak said there was no need for a royal commission of inquiry to look into allegations hurled at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the book 'Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times' authored by Barry Wain.

"There is always this call for a royal commission, everything you want royal commission, but (this) is not appropriate to call for a royal commission just because somebody has written a book.

"What is important for us is to look forward to the future. Each prime minister has made a lot of contribution, otherwise we wouldn't be what we are today, Malaysia will not be a successful nation and regarded as a role model if all the PMs in the past had not made their contribution," he said.

On Dec 21, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in his blog had urged Najib to set up a royal commission to probe the allegations contained in the book, which among others had claimed that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion during his 22 years as prime minister.

In an immediate response, Mahathir in his 'Chedet' blog welcomed the call for a royal inquiry and said he would cooperate fully with the commission.

Wain, who is the former managing editor of Asian Wall Street Journal, has estimated that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion in his years as PM.

source:bernama

True enough each PM has made a lot of contribution to the nation,but Najib musnt forget that each PM too had squandered billions of the rakyat's money.

23 December 2009

It said something about the depth of corruption when a newspaper revealed that two F5-E jet engines from the Royal Malaysian Air Force had been stolen and sold to a foreign buyer. Armed Forces chief Gen Azizan Ariffin said that those responsible for stealing should be charged with treason. “It is a serious offence that tarnishes the image of the Armed Forces,” Azizan told reporters. “There should not be any compromise on the punishment for their actions.”

To recapitulate, the thefts were discovered in May 2008 when Azizan, then the air force chief, ordered an audit of the force's assets. It was then ascertained that the two engines — collectively worth RM100 million — were missing. A police report was subsequently lodged in August last year. In an inquiry and disciplinary hearing later, the New Straits Times reported, a brigadier-general and 40 others were sacked. The engines were believed to have been sold to an international company in South America, according to Defence Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

But the NST, citing intelligence sources, said that the engines were shipped to a Middle Eastern country that “was the subject of US sanctions”. The country was apparently keen on developing its own jet fighter. The paper also said that the people implicated in the inquiry could have also been involved in other logistics irregularities “amounting to several million ringgit”.

Clearly then, this goes beyond common garden-variety venality. The thefts and subsequent sale of the parts would have affected national security. And it has international implications.The United States, which sold the hardware to the RMAF, would surely want to know who the buyers were. Indeed, as Azizan pointed out, there is a good possibility that investigations will go international.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has promised that there would be no cover-up. That is the only way to go. The best method to deter corruption is swift and harsh punitive action. Indeed, one of Najib's stated aims is to bring Malaysia among the top 25 countries in the world corruption index. The country is currently running 56th. Those are lofty ambitions and it will take a great effort of political will to pull that off. But it can only be achieved if wrongdoers realise that crime does not pay.

In the case of the jet engines fiasco, it has been suggested that the “traitors” — in the words of the Armed Forces chief — be tried for treason. The last time that happened in Malaysia was in the 1990s when a group of religious fanatics calling themselves the Al-Ma'unah raided a military arsenal with the aim of bringing down the legally elected government. They were caught and charged with treason. They were found guilty and they were hanged. The public will no doubt be watching to see how the government handles the current case.

source:business time singapore

The theft happened in 2008. How come it was not reported in the Auditor's Report released recently? Was it overlooked or the AG tutup mata sebelah?

Najib was the defence minister then,by suppressing the expose can he be charged for treason.....

A combative Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he welcomed Lim Kit Siang’s call for the government to set up a royal commission to probe whether he “burned” RM100 billion on grandiose projects and corruption. The former prime minister added, however, that Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration should also ask the same commission to investigate Tun Abdullah Badawi.

“I will cooperate fully with the commission.

“Depending upon the results of the commission I reserve the right to sue Barry Wain, Lim Kit Siang and malaysiakini.com for libel for a sum to be disclosed later,” he wrote on his popular chedet.cc blog today.

Dr Mahathir was referring to the recent publication of the book “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times,” written by former Asian Wall Street Journal managing editor Barry Wain. In the book, Dr Mahathir is alleged to have been blamed for “wasting” or “burning up” RM100 billion in his tenure as the fourth prime minister. Malaysiakini.com published excerpts from the book.

Yesterday, the DAP’s Lim urged the Najib government to investigate the allegations.

“I welcome Lim Kit Siang’s proposal for Najib to set up a royal commission on whether I burned RM100 billion...during my 22-year reign,” said Dr Mahathir.

Such a commission, he said, should not be made up of government nominees, but should instead have as members “impeccable people including foreigners and members of Transparency International.”

He said the probe’s terms of reference should also include how RM270 billion of Petronas money, paid during Abdullah’s five-year term, was spent.

“It should include how much money was lost due to the cancellation of the crooked bridge and the Johore Baru to Padang Besar railway.”

He cited other projects during the Abdullah era which he said should be investigated. They include the cost over-runs in the construction of the Bakun Hydroelectric project, and also the financing of the second Penang Bridge and the procedure followed when giving out the contract.

“I also agree with Lim Kit Siang that the investigation would reflect Najib’s commitment to ‘combating corruption’.

However, Zaid Ibrahim thinks differently..............

Can the good people of this country stop asking for the appointment of Royal Commissions to investigate abuse and wrongdoings by high public officials? It’s just a waste of time.And tax-payers money. No investigation will be done regardless of how damning and strong the recommendations of the Royal Commission will be.

Just look back to the VK Lingam Video Scandal. The findings of the Royal Commission was unanimous clear and categorical.But surprise, surprise. Nothing happened.

Now I understand why even Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is “so brave” in now asking for the setting up of the Royal Commission to investigate whether RM100 billion was lost under his regime. He knows that no such Commission will be set up and even if there is one is he knows the findings will just be stashed in some corner.

And by putting a condition that the same Commission also investigate Pak Lah’s handling of various projects, he is making sure that his challenge will never be acted upon or taken seriously.

source:malaysianinsider

As long as BN is in Putrajaya you can just forget about any investigation regardless how damning it can be, coz eventually AG will say "tak cukup bukti".

21 December 2009

A probe is continuing into how a RM50million fighter jet engine belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force went missing from the Sungei Besi base in 2007when the current Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was Defence Minister.

The engine was sold to an international company based in South Africa. Also found missing were maintenance and other service records of the jet.

It was reported that the General Electric J85-21A afterburner turbojet engine, which served as a power plant for the single-seater F-5E Tiger 11 and RF-5E Tigereye, went missing late last year during a routine maintenance service check.

Yesterday, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi blamed the well-planned theft and sale of the engine on a group of low-ranking officers working in cahoots with civilians. Saying that Najib was being kept updated on the progress of the probe as he was in charge of defence at that time, Zahid said the thieves had sold the engine to the South Africa firm, which was believed to have hired an agent to bring it out of the country.

He said the international company was interested in buying the engine because it was cheap as it was categorised as a faulty spare part and was to be repaired.

“The ministry will take legal action at the international level to go after the company involved and action will be taken against the RMAF personnel involved in betraying the country,” he said after launching an environmental programme.

Zahid said that all the documents pertaining to the sale of the engine were in the hands of the police.

He said his ministry was waiting for the police to complete investigations before taking further action. He also urged the RMAF to have a better inventory system.

MALU!! We trusted the forces to defend our country and see what these idiots did. They sold our jet engines to the foreigners. Yet they got the balls to say Anwar is an American agent. Luckily, our defence minister didnt lose his balls to the africans too.......

Court martial those generals involved and the defence minister should take responsibility and resign, but, in Najib's 1Malaysia.....semuanya ok!!!

We put these pengkhianat into power and come next GE do we still want them.......

19 December 2009

Malaysia is a hotspot for trafficking of Vietnamese women. Investigations into a trafficking ring uncovered last year revealed that more than 300 of the 400 women who were trafficked were sent to Malaysia and the rest to Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.

Most of the women were from Tay Ninh and other Mekong Delta provinces, said a provincial police officer, who declined to give his name because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Women and men are trafficked for forced labour at factories and construction sites or as domestic servants. Vietnamese trafficking victims are recruited through fraudulent marriages, false promises of employment, licensed and unlicensed migrant labour recruiting agencies, the reports says.

"Ramai kawan-kawan yang mewarnai rambut mereka, mengapa kamu tidak tanya mereka. Jangan buat spekulasi."(The truth on rumours of Kinabatangan member of parliament Bung Moktar Radin marrying actress Zizie Ezette is today when a close friend of the politician confirmed the marriage. Zizie Ezette"It's settled. I pray that he will be happy. A friend's happiness is ours too," said Sri Gading MP Mohamad Aziz, adding that he had also advised Bung Moktar to not keep the marriage a secret anymore. The couple's wedding reception was said to be held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night.

Bung Moktar, who is the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club deputy chairman, has repeatedly denied he was marrying the actress. However, contacted by reporters yesterday, he declined to confirm the marriage.

"This is not the best time. I have to consider the feelings of many people and I don't want to hurt anyone," he said.

Bung Moktar, 50, is married and has four children. Zizie, 31, a popular actress in a number of television dramas, won the best aspiring actress award at the Malaysian Film Festival 2003. Asked for his reason in not attending yesterday's Parliament sitting, Bung Moktar said he was in Kinabatangan, Sabah.

"I have obtained permission from the chief (Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz)," he added.)

(Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s debut Budget 2010 was nearly scuttled by the Pakatan Rakyat late last night when it barely got through by a 66-63 vote margin at the third reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

Najib and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat saved Barisan Nasional the blushes when they turned up to tilt support to the ruling coalition which lost its customary two-third parliamentary majority in Election 2008.

It is understood that this is the first time that the national budget was approved with such a narrow margin, where a rejection would have a negative implication for the Barisan Nasional government which has been in power since independence in 1957 when it was called the Alliance.)

15 December 2009

At 78 and now suffering heart problems, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is the subject of widespread speculation as to when he will step down as menteri besar, as well as the identity of his successor.Interviewed recently at his office in Kota Bharu, Nik Aziz said he is still capable of fulfilling his duties and that there is no need as yet for him to name a successor.

"(My health) is all right. If I stand for too long, I get tired. Doctors have told me not to (go on the ground) if I am tired. I'm old, and the 'battery' in my heart is weakening.

"Other than taking medicine, I pray (for good health). Even the Chinese are praying for me. When they see me, they tell me Jangan mati lagi, (don't die yet), Tok Guru," he said with a laugh.

"Even the Chinese are forbidding me from dying. They are more willing to listen to me than to the people from Umno."

Asked how his successor will be chosen, he said that one of the three deputy PAS state commissioners are likely to succeed him based on the hierarchy in the state and the party.

"It is 'automatic' according to party methodology. It is a form of preparation. We must have an umbrella ready before it rains," said Nik Aziz, who has headed the Kelantan administration since 1990.

Pressed further, he revealed that state executive councillor Ahmad Yakob is the front runner, by virtue of being the most senior of the trio.

"Ahmad is the first layer. Whether or not he is accepted by the people, that is up to God. But he is deputy menteri besar. A lot of my duties have been delegated to him."

The other two are Nik Amar Abdullah and Husam Musa. The latter is widely deemed to be Nik Aziz's protégé, although he has not received such endorsement. Little is known about Ahmad, who like many Kelantan assemblypersons, shies away from the national political limelight. A religious scholar and long-serving state lawmaker, he is the Pekan Pasir state assemblyperson.

However, Nik Amar has publicly endorsed Ahmad, as he wants Nik Aziz to name a successor quickly to prevent the likelihood of a power struggle in PAS.

Willingness to lead Pakatan

PKR politician Zaid Ibrahim, who is spearheading a move to register Pakatan Rakyat as a coalition, has suggested that it be chaired by Nik Aziz.Nik Aziz said he is open to the idea, when asked if he would accept such an appointment.

"I am the spiritual leader elected by the PAS central committee. What is wrong with being the spiritual leader of Pakatan? If you want to listen to me, thank you. If not, then I'm sorry.

"It is not a burden. It will increase my following. I would be happier leading open-minded Chinese than narrow-minded Malays," he said with a smile.

However, he instantly brushed aside any idea that PAS would compromise on its goals, such as the implementation of hudud law and establishing an Islamic state. These policies have been formulated on PAS' religious obligations, he said, and therefore cannot be compromised. He also insisted that these policies have been generally misunderstood, and invited his Pakatan colleagues to clarify the matter with PAS.

"There is no need (to quarrel). Say what you want, but listen to our reply. Don't make accusations and (then) when I reply, you don't listen. Tak boleh! (This won't do). Islam means you should ask questions. If you don't understand (our policies), ask," he added.

Some of the Q & A with Tuan Guru Nik Aziz......

Malaysiakini(MK) -During the Bagan Pinang by-election, it appeared that non-Muslims did not back PAS. Why was that?

TG.Nik Aziz(TGNA) - It was not just a by-election. There were other factors. Blood was spilled. Malaysians must understand that when people get hurt, it is not a by-election. There was assault (on PAS workers) and threats. Umno often threatens people. They threaten (people with) the Internal Security Act and withdrawal of subsidies.

MK - Within Pakatan Rakyat, there is frequent objection to issues like hudud law or the Islamic state. How far is PAS willing to compromise? For example, DAP usually has a different opinion on these issues.

TGNA -No man can have it easy all the time. Some times we fall ill. Even doctors fall ill. God has created the world this way - there are angels and demons, good and bad, heaven and earth. As Muslims, we live by the teachings of the Prophet. When someone is lazy, we preach about diligence. They then become hard-working. Cowards are told tales of bravery. They become brave. The wayward are taught about the pious (and) become religious. There is no need (to quarrel). Say what you want, but listen to our reply. Don't make accusations and (then) when I reply, you don't listen. Tak boleh! (This won't do). Islam means you should ask questions. If you don't understand (our policies), ask.

MK - So you mean that PAS cannot compromise on its position on hudud law and the Islamic state?

TGNA - How can we compromise? This is our ibadat (religious obligation). If we reject the meaning of Islam, we are rejecting our ibadat. God created man to follow ibadat, which is not restricted to just praying.

MK - So how will PAS go about this? Some younger people in DAP can accept PAS, but veterans like national chairperson Karpal Singh, are more adamant about the party's secular position.

TGNA - Tidak apa (It is no big deal). Karpal Singh is someone very senior. Sometimes, when people kacau (agitate) us, we have to look at them first. Sometimes, we look at them at say, 'Let him be. He is old. Let's respect him'. People who speak like Karpal Singh are getting fewer. He is a watak lama (old player).

MK - So Tok Guru, you are willing to talk...

TGNA - Yes. We can discuss. I like it very much when people ask me questions. If I can answer, I will. If the topic is beyond me, I will ask the person to ask someone else.

MK - There is a suggestion by PKR politician Zaid Ibrahim that you should chair the Pakatan Rakyat coalition as spiritual leader, when it is registered. Have you considered this?TGNA - I am currently the spiritual leader elected by the PAS central committee. What is wrong with being the spiritual leader of Pakatan? If you want to listen to me, thank you. If not, sorry. If they listen and reject, I'll ask them why. This is Islam.

MK - So you are willing to take on this added burden?TGNA - It is not a burden. It will increase my following. I would be happier leading open-minded Chinese than narrow-minded Malays. (smiles)

MK - How is your health?

TGNA - Alhamdulillah. It is all right. If I stand for too long, I get tired. Doctors have told me not to (go on the ground) if I am tired. I'm old, and the 'battery' in my heart is weakening. Other than taking medicine, I pray (for good health). Even the Chinese are praying for me. When they see me, they tell me Jangan mati lagi, (don't die yet), Tok Guru. (laughs) Even the Chinese are forbidding me from dying. They are more willing to listen to me than to the people from Umno.

MK - Are you going to take a break from politics?

TGNA - I cannot take a rest from politics. I can only take a break from the party. The party and politics are different. In politics, no one can be excluded. But I can take a rest from the party.

MK - How long more do you intend to serve as menteri besar?

TGNA - How would I know? How old am I? Will my body take it? As long as PAS accepts me, I will remain. If PAS ask me to leave this afternoon, I will stop. If Umno tells me to step down, I'd reply: 'If not for you, I would have stepped down a long time ago...'. I feel proud if Umno hates me. It proves that I have kacau (shaken) them (up).

The lawyer for private investigator P. Balasubramaniam recently offered his help to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigation into his client’s allegations of blackmail and bribery that implicate people close to the Prime Minister and his wife.

Americk Sidhu emailed MACC officer Abdul Rahman Bachok last Dec 4 and again on Dec 10, saying he could secure Bala’s cooperation in the investigation. However, apart from a phone call from Abdul Rahman on Dec 8 to confirm the email sender’s identity, Americk has not received any response from Abdul Rahman or the

“It appears like they are stumped and do not know what to do,” said Raja Petra, who is in self-imposed exile from Malaysia.

“To respond would mean that the MACC would have to meet Bala and take his statement, which is clearly something they would not like to do.”

Raja Petra–popularly known as RPK—suggests that the MACC is hoping that Bala is not contactable so it can close the file and declare that it is not able to proceed any further in the investigation.

Last Dec 3, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth leader Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin lodged a report with the MACC, asking it to investigate Bala’s revelations, posted on YouTube and widely reported by online media, but ignored by Malaysia’s mainstream newspapers, which are either aligned to or controlled by the ruling elite.

Bala, a former police officer, reaffirmed a sworn statement he made on July 4, 2008, which alleged a link between Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaaribuu. However, he said, he was blackmailed and bribed into issuing a second statutory declaration contradicting the first and into leaving Malaysia.

Following Shamsul’s report, the MACC asked him to help locate Bala, and Shamsul said he would contact Bala’s lawyer.

RPK suggests that the MACC was still deciding how to respond without hurting Najib’s future.

source:free malaysia today.

Will MACC meet Bala? thats the 1 million $$$$ question. I feel they should, after all Najib had denied knowing Altantuya and even 'angkat sumpah' in the mosque over the matter.

If there is nothing connected between Najib and Altantuya, as he claimed to be, then he shouldnt be afraid of anything, let MACC handle the case freely, but for now I dont know who is afraid of whom..........

A police report was lodged today against former Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissoner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan for allegedly awarding a RM7.5 million contract directly to a handicraft company for the supply of full uniforms for the commission's personnel.

Kapar MP S.Manikavasagam, who lodged the report at the Klang district police headquarters at noon, said the contract should have been awarded through an open tender process and not direct negotiations between Ahmad and Syarikat Mariwasa Kraftangan Sdn Bhd. He said he had received information about the matter lately and on carrying out a background search on the company, he found their nature of business was making metal medals and handicraft.

"I believe there are elements of criminal breach of trust here as Finance Ministry procedures do not permit the award of government contracts through direct negotiations. This condition is relaxed in special cases involving certain security equipment or that with specific requirements, but not for personnel uniforms," he said.

Manikavasagam said the handicraft company had supplied the MACC their outfits by sourcing for the material from another company based in Kajang. He said Syarikat Mariwasa Kraftangan Sdn Bhd had also sub-contracted the tailoring of the uniforms to Maroz Tailoring Sdn Bhd.

"By all these sub-contracting, the cost of producing the uniforms had ballooned. There are conditions laid by the finance ministry that the supply of items such as shoes and waist belts be acquired from companies which deal with such items and not a handicraft company. I wondering if there is link between the sudden resignation of Ahmad Said and the award of such contracts by him," he said.

Ahmad Said announced his resignation more than a week ago, about six months ahead of his retirement next year and was quoted as saying it was time for him to do so and that his deputy Datuk Abu Kassim was capable of taking over.

12 December 2009

Our nation is blessed with a modest quantity of oil reserves. As a young nation coming to terms with this natural bounty in the early 70s, our primary thought was to conserve that oil.

That is why, when Petronas was formed, we instituted the Petroleum Development Council. Its function was to advise the prime minister on how to conserve that oil and use it judiciously for national development.We knew our reserves would not last long.

We saw our oil reserves as an unearned bounty that would provide the money for modernisation and technology. We saw our oil within a developmental perspective. Our struggle then, was to make the leap from an economy based on commodities and low-cost assembly and manufacturing to a more diverse, economy based on high income jobs.

Aware that we had an insufficient tax base to make the capital investments needed to make the leap, we planned to apply oil royalties to what you would call today strategic investments in human capital.

Whatever money left after making cash payments, allocations for development funds, etc, was to be placed in a Heritage Fund for the future.The Heritage Fund was for education and social enrichment.

In working out the distribution of oil between the states, who had sovereign rights over it, and the federal government, we were guided by concerns for equity between all Malaysians, a concern to develop the poorer states (who also happened to be the oil rich states) and a concern for inter-generational equity.That oil was for special development purposes and it was not just meant for our generation.

Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form Malaysia because of the promise of development funds. Yet today, despite being their massive resources, they are some of our poorest states.

Instead of being our ace up the sleeve, however, our oil wealth became in effect a swag of money used to fund the government's operational expenditure, to bail out failing companies, buy arms, build grandiose cities amidst cleared palm oil estates.

Instead of helping eradicate poverty in the poorest states, our oil wealth came to be channeled into the overseas bank accounts of our political and politically-linked class.

Instead of being the patrimony of all Malaysians, and for our children, it is used as a giant slush fund that has propped up authoritarian rule, eroded constitutional democracy and corrupted our entire political and business elite.

Our oil receipts, instead of being applied in the manner we planned upon the formation of Petronas, that is, according to its original developmental purpose, became a fund for the whims and fancy of whoever ran the country, without any accountability.

The oil that was meant to spur our transition to a more humane, educated society has instead become a narcotic that provides economic quick fixes and hollow symbols such as the Petronas towers.

Our oil wealth was meant to help us foster Malaysians capable of building the Twin Towers than hire foreigners to build them, a practice in which we preceded Dubai. I would rather have good government than grand government buildings filled with a demoralised civil service.

It is no wonder that we are no longer productive, no longer using our ingenuity to devise ways to improve ourselves and leap forward.

Malaysia is now an “oil cursed” country. We managed to arrive at this despite not having a lot of oil. When I started Petronas in 1974, I did not realise I would see the day when I would wish we had not uncovered this bounty.

Our failure has been political and moral. We have allowed greed and resentment to drive our politics and looked the other way or even gone along while public assets have been stolen in broad daylight.

(Part of the speech given by former finance minister and Umno vice-president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah at the one-day Young Corporate Malaysians Summit,Kuala Lumpur)

10 December 2009

Recently the High Court dismissed an application by Anwar Ibrahim to strike out his sodomy charge on the basis that two medical reports have found no evidence of penetration. The High Court refused and set Jan 25 2010 for Anwar’s trial to proceed. Many Malaysians believe the charge against Anwar to be politically motivated and the conduct of the prosecution has reinforced their doubts. Few believe that Anwar will get a fair trial.

Will Anwar’s jailing help BN retain power or will it do the opposite and boost the opposition’s chances?If the prosecution can prove an ironclad case the political fallout will be limited but if Anwar’s conviction is seen as a travesty of justice BN will pay a heavy political price. To gauge the political effect of jailing Anwar it is instructive to recount the impact of the 1999 sodomy conviction and compare the different socio-political environment between the two events in the intervening ten years.

Back to 1998

In 1998 when Anwar was charged for sodomy and abuse of power, Mahathir was the Prime Minister and he ruled over a Barisan National political machine which faced no creditable challenge by the fragmented opposition. The premier’s authoritarian style earned him the label of ‘dictator’ and his liberal use of the ISA to quell dissent invoked a climate of fear.Although Mahathir achieved his aim of jailing Anwar, the effect of Anwar’s downfall a decade ago could not have been what he foreseen or desired. Despite the most heavy-handed and crude methods, he also failed to destroy Anwar politically or personally.

The twists and turns of the trial, the controversial rulings and the wholly disproportionate sentence convinced nobody. Anwar’s unfortunate beating in prison and his appearance with a black eye caused a public outcry. Despite the valiant attempts of the obedient mass media to demonize Anwar, the majority of Malaysians believed that Anwar was a victim of political conspiracy after a fallout with Mahathir. It created a political and social crisis which reverberates to this day. The U.S. State Department called the sodomy trial an abuse of human rights which was only one of a multitude of condemnations which poured in from overseas. The judiciary became the laughing stock of the international community.

Domestically, Mahathir’s reputation suffered serious harm with calls for him to resign. Demonstrations which were previously unknown in Malaysia broke out with cries of ‘Reformasi!’ and “Mahathir Resign!” They were forcibly suppressed but the anger in the hearts of the people and the disquiet created in civil society lingered to this day. The social forces unleashed led to the birth of the National Justice Party which was later to become Parti Keadilan Rakyat. The party’s symbol is an eye against a light blue background to denote Anwar’s famous black eye.

The General Election of 1999

The injustice meted out to Anwar caused the three main opposition parties – DAP, PAS and Keadilan – to come together into an electoral coalition called Barisan Alternatif to harness the wave of the public anger. However, this failed to unseat BN or deny BN two-thirds majority in the general election of 1999.

There were many reasons for this, chiefly being the non-Malays’ fear of PAS as Islamic extremists which PAS did nothing to assuage and in fact foolishly exacerbated. Mahathir also courted the Chinese, aware that his relationship with the Malays was severely strained. About 650,000 newly registered young voters were prevented from voting on the specious excuse that there was not enough time to register them. Hundreds of pages of pro-BN advertisements were published in the one-sided mass media and the playing up of inter-ethnic fear ensured that there was no fair election.

In the end, it was the non-Malays which saved Mahathir from a humiliating loss of BN’s two-thirds majority which would have forced his immediate exit. There was a significant Malay swing against BN and for the first time, Umno’s share of the Malay vote dropped below 50%. PAS turned out to be the chief beneficiary, increasing its parliamentary seats from 7 to 27 and capturing Terengganu as it rode on the groundswell of Malay anger over the Anwar injustice. After the election, a joke circulating around at that time was that the difference between a Malay and a Chinese was that the Chinese supported Umno!

Mahathir announced his resignation as Umno President and Prime Minister in 2002, acutely aware that his relationship with the Malays was broken. The baton was handed over to Abdullah Badawi in 2003 and the following general election in 2004 saw BN winning its best performance ever with 90% of parliamentary seats, not because of Badawi’s popularity but because Mahathir was gone. But the reverberations from the 1999 sodomy case did not end there. After Anwar was released from prison, he forged an electoral pact between PKR, PAS and DAP which resulted in the loss of BN’s two-thirds majority in Parliament and 5 states in the 2008 general election. From this stunning opposition gains, Pakatan Rakyat was born.

Now and 1998

Although all this is history, they are worth recounting because one can learn from the past in order not to repeat the same mistakes.In 1998 the mass media was under much tighter control and the online world was at its infancy. The words ‘blog’, ‘facebook’ or ‘twitter’ had not been invented and Internet penetration was low at less than 15%. People are now far more connected than a decade ago with the proliferation of the online world with its news, blogs, discussion groups, social networking sites, e-mail, mobile phones and SMS. The trial proceedings will be reported in detail, analyzed and dissected. Nothing can be hidden, distorted or obfuscated.

No amount of spinning in the mainstream media will convince a public otherwise if injustice has been committed. It did not work in 1998and it will not work now especially when the online world has reached mainstream status and there is a freer flow of information.

If Anwar can be convicted in a fair trial with his guilt proven beyond reasonable doubt, little political price need to be paid by the ruling regime but the existence of two medical reports that the accuser had not been sodomized, the behavior of the police and not least the battle by the prosecution to transfer the case to the High Court and refusal to hand over evidence favourable to the defense as required by law has already tainted the prosecution’s case.

Furthermore, a charge of consensual sodomy is suspicious indeed when Malaysia tolerates homosexual acts between consenting adults and nobody has been dragged to court over it except Anwar and his alleged partners. We must also remember that the heady economic growth of the 1990’s engendered more tolerance for Mahathir’s autocracy while Najib has his hands full trying to keep the economy growing on the back of the world economic crisis. We can hence expect deeper political and social consequences compared to 1998.

Political Consequences

The political ramifications this time around will be huge. Unlike 1999, the opposition parties have coalesced into a workable coalition and are ready to challenge BN for the seat of power, a far cry from just trying to grab as many seats from BN as possible. Non-Malays have also lost their fear of Islamic PAS and interethnic tensions have long dissipated meaning that two powerful weapons that used to work with devastating efficiency on the non-Malays have been lost. With the non-Malays now overwhelmingly pro- Pakatan Rakyat, BN’s fortunes now depend on the Malays who are the very group likely to be incensed with any cruel and unjust treatment of Anwar.

It is worth noting that PAS’ gains in 1999 were in the rural Malay seats where it fishes in the same pond as Umno. With Umno now heavily dependent on the rural Malays to maintain its power, it seems reckless to put this voter base at risk with another clumsy and incredulous sodomy conviction. Anwar’s unjust jailing may create an anti-BN wave which the opposition can ride to victory and the non-Malays will not be saving BN this time around.

Social Consequences

Aside from the political consequences, a more insidious effect will be a crisis of public confidence in the law enforcement bodies which is already low. As these bodies need the cooperation and respect of the public to function effectively, this means their efficiency in tackling crime and corruption will be hobbled. For example, the MACC has been rendered almost functionally useless with the dive in public confidence following its one-sided investigations and Teoh Beng Hock’s death and will continue to be so until major revamps are made to instill back public confidence. Society is traumatized by crude and offensive displays of injustice. The negative sentiment will affect private domestic investment which is already in decline and foreign investors will be put off.Unlike 1998 Anwar is now opposition leader. To jail him on a specious charge with a dubious trial will project the perception that an opposition leader has been jailed on sham charges to remove him from the political scene. This will invite condemnations from the international community and put the country in the company of banana republics such as Myanmar and Zimbabwe. The negative image projected by the country will drive away tourists and discourage others from holding functions in Malaysia.As for Najib, his hold on Umno will weaken with the decline in public support which may impair his ability to push through further reforms. Public support has a direct effect on his ability to control his party warlords whose personal interests do not always coincide with public interests.

What Now, Najib?

There is something called the law of unintended consequences. Instead of weakening the opposition by removing Anwar, the opposition may be rejuvenated instead and the public may rally around him as a martyr of injustice and a victim of abuse of power. Mahathir harboured a deep personal animosity towards Anwar. He was willing to take any political risks to humiliate and destroy Anwar, even though general election was around the corner. The resulting social and political turmoil was acceptable collateral damage. Without the cloud of personal animosity, Najib should act in a rational manner and weigh the political risks and social consequences against the uncertain gain.

A conviction which is widely perceived as unfair and a political conspiracy will fall squarely on Najib’s shoulders. Rightly or wrongly, he will be blamed so it is not just Anwar who is on trial but also Najib’s credibility and the Malaysian justice system. It is to Najib’s interest that Anwar be given a fair trial and acquitted if there is no case. To push through a conviction on the basis of political expediency will unleash social forces which may sweep BN from power.

source:reproduced from hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com.

Unlike Najib, Anwar cannot just say the accusation is 'frivolous' and be done with it. Coz, Najib is in power, Anwar is not.The police and courts are in Najib's hands, however the rakyat are not fools.

That Saiful guy goes around boasting he was 'raped', itsnt that disgusting? A raped victim who is raped would not want to tell the whole world that he/she has been raped. Si jalang pun tak akan berbuat demikian. Its only a drama in order to kill another person political ambition. Saiful said he was raped against his will,but the court says its 'suka sama suka'. If thats the case Saiful too should be charged.

UMNO, for that matter knows, Anwar is a pain in their arse and must be rid off,whatever it takes.

08 December 2009

Minister in the Prime Minister’s department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz lashed out at former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, calling him a "racist" for saying there was no need to revamp the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) or National Civics Bureau training modules.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament lobby today, Nazri said while he agreed with the former premier that BTN is for instilling the patriotic spirit, Nazri said the patriotism should not only be for the Malays.

Mahathir said last Sunday that there was no reason for the BTN modules to be revamped and felt it was better to retain the modules.

"You must remember during his time when he (Mahathir) was the PM, he was talking about (how) we must all think as Malaysians, now that he’s not PM, (and when) you read his blogs, it’s bloody racist. I don’t like that."

"He must be a Malaysian (regardless if) he’s a minister or not. He must walk his talk. Just because he wanted everyone to support him (then), you’re (a) Malaysian and the moment you’re no longer PM, you only talk about the Malays.

"I cannot accept his comments. I strongly feel the BTN courses must be inline with the 1Malaysia slogan by the PM," said Nazri .

He also rubbished claims that the Cabinet decided to revamp the BTN curriculum due to Nazri’s call. A columnist (Awang Selamat) in a local weekend publication (Mingguan Malaysia) claimed the revamp of the BTN curriculum was due to Nazri’s call to be in line with the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia slogan.

"It’s a cabinet decision. BTN’s allocation is mentioned in the PM’s department’s budget so it’s public money. Therefore, the money spent on BTN to have courses must reflect the 1Malaysia slogan by the PM.

"It should not only to raise patriotism among the Malays or Bumiputras."

"Malaysia is for all races so I disagree with any syllabus which only concentrates on patriotism just on one community."

"If they have a problem with that, I want to know what their problem is," said Nazri adding the decision for the Cabinet to revamp BTN was done when the 1Malaysia slogan was introduced by the Prime Minister.

He also said the spirit of patriotism should be instilled in all races. Nazri in not too many words also agreed that the BTN courses promoted racism.

"You want me to lie? You (will) make people laugh. I mean there are people who attended the courses who came out very angry, so I want them to tell me where I went wrong in not supporting the revamping of the BTN syllabus," added Nazri.

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